The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has launched the second phase of its flood response to aid communities severely impacted by the August floods.
This initiative will provide cash assistance to nearly 47,000 families, or about 235,000 people, across the districts of Comilla, Feni, Moulavibazar, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur.
In this phase, WFP is utilizing existing government social protection systems to reach approximately 106,000 women whose families were heavily affected by the floods.
These women, who are enrolled in the Mother and Child Benefit Program (MCBP) and the Vulnerable Group Development Program (VGDP), will each receive a one-time cash transfer of Tk6,000 ($50) through the mobile financial service app bKash.
This support is essential for helping families meet their nutritional needs, which have been disrupted due to the floods.
Additionally, WFP is monitoring market conditions and food security to ensure that those not covered by social protection schemes also receive necessary assistance.
The organization is prepared to extend aid to 120,000 more households if additional funds are secured.
Since late August, nearly 6 million people in southeastern and northeastern Bangladesh, particularly in Chittagong and Sylhet Divisions, have been affected by what is described as the worst flooding in decades.
WFP has been actively providing critical food aid to individuals in shelters or cut off by waterlogging. To date, over 120,000 families, around 600,000 people, have received a one-time distribution of WFP’s fortified biscuits.
To further support recovery and rebuilding efforts, WFP will offer additional assistance through various cash-for-work programs.
Approximately 90,000 households will participate in restoring essential community facilities and arable land damaged by the floods.
Each family will have one able-bodied member working for 15 days at a rate of Tk500 per day. Additionally, 15,000 vulnerable households without able-bodied members will engage in income-generating activities tailored to their needs.
“As the floodwaters recede, families are returning home, but many have lost everything. Although markets are gradually reopening, people still need support to access food,” said Dom Scalpelli, country director of WFP Bangladesh. “WFP’s response is aimed at helping them transition back to normalcy while providing livelihood opportunities to build stronger and more resilient communities.”
WFP requires a total of $35 million for its planned response, with $31 million still needed.
The organization extends its gratitude to Canada, Sweden, and private donors (through the ShareTheMeal app) for their crucial contributions, which have been instrumental in supporting the response so far.
